I’ve only been a Metroid fan for a little over four years now, but it quickly grew to become my favorite video game series. Despite not being a fan as long as others, it still feels unreal to finally get a brand new 2D game after so long. Better yet, it is said to have been designed after Super Metroid, which I considered to be my favorite game. I was extremely excited for Dread to release, but I was also worried that it would fail to live up to my expectations. After playing the game three times and unlocking all the gallery images, I am luckily able to say that it instead surpassed my expectations in nearly every way.
The game has many interesting environments with extremely detailed backgrounds that make the world feel alive. Players can spend a ton of time just observing the background elements in each room. Gameplay-wise, these areas are all expertly designed, as it always subtly pushes the player in the right direction and provides many hints on where to go next. I also love seeing the sequence breaks or other tricks that were intentionally included in the game, as they add new and interesting ways to play an already amazing experience. The need for backtracking in speedruns is reduced to a minimum, as the developers ingeniously created the world in a way that, if you know what you’re doing, makes it clear which path will lead directly to the next objective. The map contributes to this since it is immensely detailed, to the point where it shows each individual tile and marks special blocks (such as beam blocks or bomb blocks). The world in Dread is gigantic, so having a map as intricate as this is greatly appreciated, especially when going back to collect items that could not be obtained before.
The size of the world can be overwhelming at points, but the movement in the game is so fast and fluid that getting around never becomes an issue. Samus is extremely agile, but yet the controls still allow for precise actions. Every time I made an error it felt like it was entirely my fault rather than some flaw in the controls. I already considered Dread to have my favorite movement in any 2D platformer while I was early on, but it is further enhanced by upgrades unlocked throughout the game. Speed Booster/Shinespark puzzles are extraordinarily satisfying to pull off, and the new Flash Shift ability is very fun to use.
The Flash Shift also improves combat, as it provides a quick way to dodge incoming attacks. This, as well as the free aim and counter, easily makes the combat the best it’s ever been in a Metroid game. Combat has never been a strength of Metroid games before this, but they often include excellent boss fights that are tough but with patterns that can be learned, and this is still the case here. Every boss is expertly crafted so they’re challenging at first but can be taken down quickly once you know what you’re doing. The final boss is a perfect example of this, and it quickly grew to become one of my favorite boss fights. Successfully countering a boss even allows players to do massive damage during a strikingly cool animation. While EMMIs aren’t necessarily bosses, they’re still an excellent addition. Being chased by one always had me on the edge of my seat, and I liked how you can still prevent yourself from being killed by them if you’re skilled enough at knowing when to counter.
Sadly, Dread isn’t without its flaws. Metroid games have always had some of my favorite soundtracks for games, as their music has great melodies while creating a strong sense of atmosphere. Super Metroid in particular does a great job of this, but Dread disappointingly isn’t the same. I can’t think of a single track that I genuinely liked. I don’t hate the music, but I’d say I just tolerate it. I also didn’t like how many rooms there were. In Super, each room feels like it has a specific purpose, but the same can’t be said for Dread. However, each room still has a unique layout and, as mentioned earlier, is enjoyable to go through thanks to the exceptional movement, so it is hardly an issue.
I had high hopes for Metroid Dread, and I am lucky to say that it went above and beyond my expectations. After it came out, I was addicted to the game and played through it three times in the span of a little over a week. Super Metroid is one of the only other games that made me want to replay immediately after beating it. I adored my time with the game, whether it was taking my time to find everything the first playthrough or to rush through to try and get a low time. I definitely plan to play this game on many more occasions. At the moment, I am undecided on which game I prefer, but Metroid Dread currently rivals Super Metroid as my favorite game of all time.
The game has many interesting environments with extremely detailed backgrounds that make the world feel alive. Players can spend a ton of time just observing the background elements in each room. Gameplay-wise, these areas are all expertly designed, as it always subtly pushes the player in the right direction and provides many hints on where to go next. I also love seeing the sequence breaks or other tricks that were intentionally included in the game, as they add new and interesting ways to play an already amazing experience. The need for backtracking in speedruns is reduced to a minimum, as the developers ingeniously created the world in a way that, if you know what you’re doing, makes it clear which path will lead directly to the next objective. The map contributes to this since it is immensely detailed, to the point where it shows each individual tile and marks special blocks (such as beam blocks or bomb blocks). The world in Dread is gigantic, so having a map as intricate as this is greatly appreciated, especially when going back to collect items that could not be obtained before.
The size of the world can be overwhelming at points, but the movement in the game is so fast and fluid that getting around never becomes an issue. Samus is extremely agile, but yet the controls still allow for precise actions. Every time I made an error it felt like it was entirely my fault rather than some flaw in the controls. I already considered Dread to have my favorite movement in any 2D platformer while I was early on, but it is further enhanced by upgrades unlocked throughout the game. Speed Booster/Shinespark puzzles are extraordinarily satisfying to pull off, and the new Flash Shift ability is very fun to use.
The Flash Shift also improves combat, as it provides a quick way to dodge incoming attacks. This, as well as the free aim and counter, easily makes the combat the best it’s ever been in a Metroid game. Combat has never been a strength of Metroid games before this, but they often include excellent boss fights that are tough but with patterns that can be learned, and this is still the case here. Every boss is expertly crafted so they’re challenging at first but can be taken down quickly once you know what you’re doing. The final boss is a perfect example of this, and it quickly grew to become one of my favorite boss fights. Successfully countering a boss even allows players to do massive damage during a strikingly cool animation. While EMMIs aren’t necessarily bosses, they’re still an excellent addition. Being chased by one always had me on the edge of my seat, and I liked how you can still prevent yourself from being killed by them if you’re skilled enough at knowing when to counter.
Sadly, Dread isn’t without its flaws. Metroid games have always had some of my favorite soundtracks for games, as their music has great melodies while creating a strong sense of atmosphere. Super Metroid in particular does a great job of this, but Dread disappointingly isn’t the same. I can’t think of a single track that I genuinely liked. I don’t hate the music, but I’d say I just tolerate it. I also didn’t like how many rooms there were. In Super, each room feels like it has a specific purpose, but the same can’t be said for Dread. However, each room still has a unique layout and, as mentioned earlier, is enjoyable to go through thanks to the exceptional movement, so it is hardly an issue.
I had high hopes for Metroid Dread, and I am lucky to say that it went above and beyond my expectations. After it came out, I was addicted to the game and played through it three times in the span of a little over a week. Super Metroid is one of the only other games that made me want to replay immediately after beating it. I adored my time with the game, whether it was taking my time to find everything the first playthrough or to rush through to try and get a low time. I definitely plan to play this game on many more occasions. At the moment, I am undecided on which game I prefer, but Metroid Dread currently rivals Super Metroid as my favorite game of all time.
Jordan624
2 years ago